European Parliament calls for end to Christian persecution in Nigeria after jihadists massacre more than 20

The European Parliament passed a resolution 510-1 on July 9 calling for an end to persecution against Christians in Nigeria and condemning a recent massacre, according to Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International. 

Rev. Markus Nyam, pastor of the Church of Christ in Nations, and members of his congregation were murdered in an overnight raid June 22 when Fulani militants came into the village of Kawel and shot anyone who came outside, according to ADF International’s press release. More than 20 people were killed. 

During debate remarks July 8, MEP Miriam Lexmann spoke out about the ongoing violence committed against Christians in Nigeria. 

“Across the country, Christians face repeated attacks by Fulani militants, Boko Haram and other organized groups,” Lexmann said, according to the release. “Violence is part of a broader and deeply worrying pattern of persecution.” 

Lexmann is the co-chair of the EP’s Intergroup on Freedom of Religion, Belief and Conscience. 

Reinforcing Lexmann’s concern, the resolution declares that the June 22 incident “forms a part of a wider pattern of violence in Plateau State and the Middle Belt, including attacks on predominantly Christian farming communities, traditional leaders, clergy, schools, health facilities and places of worship.” The resolution also attributes the systemic violence in the Middle Belt to “a complex combination” of tensions including extremist activity, impunity, resource disputes, climate pressures, farmer-herder conflicts, and organized crime.  

The resolution also states that Nigerian authorities have been unable to prevent attacks and protect vulnerable communities or complete thorough investigations and prosecutions. Further, it declares that “Christians are among the most persecuted religious groups globally, and the failure to address this persecution undermines the protection of freedom of religion or belief.”

In light of these realities, the resolution calls on the Nigerian government to strengthen counterterrorism operations and civilian protection and investigate the Kawel massacre “to bring perpetrators to justice and end the culture of impunity.” 

The resolution also expresses sorrow for those mourning the victims of the massacre, stating that the parliament “strongly condemns all violence perpetrated against civilians in Kawel and the wider Middle Belt; particularly deplores the disproportionate impact on women and girls, and firmly denounces the alarming rise in targeted abductions and kidnappings; [and] expresses its deepest condolences to the families of all victims and all those affected by this horrific attack, including the Christian community of Plateau State.”

The resolution is the latest in a series of resolutions the EP has adopted to condemn religious persecution in Nigeria over the past several years, according to Adina Portaru, senior counsel for Europe at ADF. 

“The fact that it must keep returning to this issue speaks to the sheer scale and severity of the violence and fear these communities face daily,” Portaru said. 

Sean Nelson, ADF senior counsel for global religious freedom, said the organization commends the EP for calling Nigeria to accountability as Christians and religious minorities suffer “relentless violence.” 

“No community,” Nelson said, “should have to bury its pastor and its children because they follow Christ.”